The VAC serves as a record of all correspondence between students and academic advisors. You may submit questions to the Chemistry Academic Advising office through the VAC. This is an ideal option when you are not on campus or are not available to stop by for walk-in but have a quick, straighforward question.

VAC messages are reviewed daily by advising staff

Questions are reviewed according to place in the queue

Typical response time is 2-5 business days (depending on time of the quarter)

Please use email etiquette and courtesy when submitting your message. State your question/s clearly and if applicable, refer to previous communication with advising staff. The VAC is the preferred method of communication over email correspondence. If you must send the department an email, you can contact chemadvising@ucsd.edu using your UCSD email account.

Erica has had a rewarding career with UC San Diego for over 15 years, in a variety of roles. While earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCSD, she started out on campus as a student employee at the UCSD Library and also the Medical Center. With the support of terrific mentors and role models, she later moved into leadership roles on campus. She has served as the Director of Student Affairs and Industry Relations in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry since January 2011. She thoroughly enjoys working with our Student Affairs team to help guide both our undergraduate and graduate students towards their degree goals, and she is also proud to support our excellent faculty as they pursue impactful, cutting-edge scientific research.

On a personal level, Erica is committed to health and wellness, and earned a national certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She keeps active with her husband and their energetic Golden Retriever. She enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, reading, and continuously learning! Erica’s door is always open if she can be a resource to you during this enriching time in your life as you strive for success in your educational and career pursuits!

Ethel Regis Lu, Academic Advisor

Ethel graduated from UC San Diego with degrees in Biology and Ethnic Studies. As an undergrad, she was actively involved in student-led outreach efforts through APSA and the Cross Cultural Center as well as mentored high school and incoming students through OASIS and CREATE. She went on to a PhD program in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley and in 2009, returned to UC San Diego where she has been able to pursue her interests in student program development and academic advising. She enjoys talking to students about their academic interests and encourages students to make UCSD their “home” where they and others can thrive!

Hanna Foley, Academic Advisor

Hanna graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Applied Linguistics and has a background in education, peer mentoring, tutoring, and ESL teaching. In 2015, she moved back to her hometown of San Diego and soonafter started her career in Student Affairs in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department at UCSD.As a former transfer student herself, she understands the unique struggles that come with transitioning from community college to the UC system, and is happy to help students with this transition wherever possible. She is passionate about supporting students in acheiving their academic goals, and getting all of their questions answered! Off the clock, she enjoys traveling, biking, yoga, drawing, and trying every Thai restaurant in San Diego.

Joanna Peralta, Front Desk Student Worker

Joanna is a third year student at UC San Diego in Revelle College. She is currently pursuing a major in Biological Anthropology and a minor in Psychology. She is a sorority sister actively involved in the Pi Alpha Sorority Inc. Originally from Orange County, Joanna loves to to cook, bake, and dance! She enjoys the outdoors and hopes to travel soon!

Chemistry Peer Advisors are undergraduate students in majoring in one of the degree programs and who are available to answer questions from fellow students. It is especially helpful for freshmen and new transfers, but all are welcome! They can provide insights on questions such as:

Why did you pick Chemistry as a major?

What is it like to be a Chemistry student at UCSD?

What resources have you found helpful?

How did you get involved in research or teaching?

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Peer Advising takes place at YORK 4020B. Spring Quarter, Peer Advisors are available:

To contact the Chemistry Academic Advising office, students must use the Virtual Advising Center (VAC). You may also call (858) 534-4856 to schedule appointments or for general inquiries. To reach us by email, please contact chemadvising@ucsd.edu using your UCSD email address.